Richard III.The main theme in Richard III is the conflict between what is good and what is immoral. Richard represents the most unpleasant qualities of a human soul.

Banos 1 Angela Banos Dr. Rusty Witek English 131.02 5 September 2003 The main theme in Richard III is the conflict between what is good and what is immoral. Richard represents the most unpleasant qualities of a human soul. He is able to cover any dishonest practice pretending that he is acting according to the rules. His ambition is the power that moves the play forward and his only goal is to cause destruction and finally become king of England. I have chosen scene iii in act V, 181-207, to represent the work because this passage shows the conflict between good and evil, one of the main themes in the book. In the beginning of the passage, Richard has just woken up after his visitations by the ghosts. This is the only moment when we can see his conscious talking to him. It is midnight, the time when the witches go out, and Richard is so afraid, he sweats. He realizes that his feeling might be caused by the self conscience of his own evil nature. "What do I fear? Myself? There's none else by. Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I." (182-185). This last expression confirms that the two selves are emerging. His attitude is different now in comparison to the beginning of the play, when he talked to the audience and seemed to be in total control of the situation. His monologues, as the soliloquy in act I, i shows, speak directly to the audience. The spectator actually knows

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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In Richard Wright's short story,

20/102 H14 Liu, Jiani What Does It Mean To Be A Man? Man Who Was Almost a Man,by Richard Wright "The Man Who Was Almost A Man" Richard Wright achievement of Manhood Growing up in the early 1900's was arduous. Families, such as Dave's, were challenged with the realities of poverty, and emotional conflicts. In Richard Wright's short story, "The Man Who Was Almost A Man," the protagonist's opinions regarding his manhood differ from his mothers. Those disputed opinions about personal experience, competence, and emotional reactions show significant differences when compared. Therefore, Wright is providing logical arguments about Dave's maturity when events involving Dave turn into adverse circumstances. Dave was desperate to grow up. What Dave doesn't realize is that in his friends and family's eyes he seems ignorant, not realizing that the way he's trying to grow up he's doing what a child would do and is thinking childish. Dave is a 16-year-old young man full of life; unsure of himself he believes owning a gun is necessary in his attempt to grow up. Not supporting violence in any way. I do not like the fact that Dave thinks that by owning a gun he will feel more like a man. On the contrary I think it makes him less of a man because he needs a weapon in order to protect, defend himself. In life, there are many decisions that everyone must make. And with decision-making comes

  • Word count: 294
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How is Richard III presented and how does his character compare with other figures in history?

How is Richard III presented and how does his character compare with other figures in history? In the play, Shakespeare presents Richard as a person who blames others for people's situations that he has caused. He does this by pretending to Clarence that it is the queen's fault he has been imprisoned. To help ease the pain for Clarence and understand the decision made, Richard tells him that "men are ruled by women" and Clarence understands this given to what others say about her. The language used has an impact because Richard is telling Clarence this and may be said in a disgraced way. Furthermore when talking, Richard uses the line "we are the queens abject" to demonstrate the power one person has over them all. The word abject stands out the most because it means both spiritless and degrading - this is what view Richard wants people to have of Elizabeth's outlook of everyone else. Straight afterwards he says "and must obey" and means that orders that are not obeyed by anyone will be punished. Because it has been Richard who has manipulated events to put Clarence in prison, he uses the queen's low popularity often in order to cover up. Still trying to convince Clarence that it is her fault he tells him " 'Tis not the king that sends you to the tower" and uses persuasive language to make him see. So that Richard can make sure Clarence doesn't suspect him, he says

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Edward Scissorhands - Use of Allusion and Symbolism

Edward Scissorhands - Use of Allusion and Symbolism Nothing just happens in film. Directors all make certain choices in production in order to invite a particular response from the audience. The film, Edward Scissorhands is based around the introduction of a social outcast into a community and his attempts at acceptance. Although at first he is accepted whole heartedly and somewhat smothered, he later learns that despite how human he is, he cannot co-exist in the same world due to his differences. Using the production elements of symbolism; especially hands themselves, and the use of allusion to elements from other genres; particularly those from fairytale and gothic romance/horror films, Tim Burton has directed the film in such a manner to illustrate, emphasise and ridicule the materialism and lack of imagination of society. The film however, is prominently a satire which has certain elements from fairytale, comedy and horror genres. Through the choices made by the director, the audience is invited to become aware of the inhumanity present in the way society functions, especially in its prejudiced treatment towards people who do not conform. The use of allusion in Edward Scissorhands is one of the most important choices in production that has been made by director Tim Burton. In order to fully appreciate and understand the plot, the movie is dependant on the audience being

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Why did Richard Of Gloucester seize the throne in 1483, and why was he overthrown so quickly?

Why did Richard Of Gloucester seize the throne in 1483, and why was he overthrown so quickly? Edward IV died on the 9th of April 1483. Prior to his reign, England had endured a period of turbulence within the ruling houses, where the strongest nobles competed for the throne, he left England both prosperous and peaceful, but he had not prepared a transition of power, for his son, Edward, had not yet achieved his majority; England was left with a power vacuum. Edward's will, written in 1475, had named Elizabeth as regent, however talks with his councillors shortly before his death, indicated that he wished his brother Richard to be given control of England as protector. As there was no argument as to Edward's wishes, there was no petition for the wills instructions to be carried out. However, factions were immediately formed; there was Elizabeth and her extensive family, the Woodvilles, who believed Richard's Protectorate should end with Edward V's coronation - giving Elizabeth a similar role to that envisaged by Edward before leaving for France. The old nobility, represented in the former King's Council and which included the late King's friend and chamberlain, William, Lord Hastings and the Duke of Buckingham, supported Richard and a full protectorate including custody of the King until his majority, possible as they feared a strong and powerful Woodville clan attaining

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How significant is act 3 scene 7 to the play as a whole? (Richard iii)

How significant is act 3 scene 7 to the play as a whole? Richard iii essay Richard the third is the last play in a cycle of eight plays that Shakespeare wrote to dramatize the history of England between 1398-1485. The plays depict the struggle for the crown and in Richard the third it shows how Richard finally gets to the crown by committing lots of murders but then is toppled by Richmond. In this essay I will explore how significant act 3 scene 7 is to the play. In this play Richard is presented as a ingenious man who can easily manipulate others for his sake , he does this through his use of clever language, in act1 scene 2 Richard persuades Anne to marry him In the play Richard is physically deformed and believes he was 'cheated of feature', he means that he was robbed of his good looks and it shows how he thinks he is ugly and deformed. Through out the play Richard does a lot of acting this helps him to manipulate people, in act 3 scene 7 Richard manipulates the people into thinking he is a devoted Christian, he does this by standing 'between two churchmen', he does this so they will think that he is fit to be king. Richard charms the audience as he shares his cunning plans with them in his 'asides' this gives him great audience appeal. Richard wants to become king as he is power hungry. In many ways Buckingham is a lot like Richard, he is very politically aware

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How Far Is Richard III A Hero?

King Richard III How Far Is Richard III A Hero? In my opinion Richard is definitely not a hero, he is nothing more than an immoral villain. He is a cunning, callous and carefree murderer. However, for much of the play the audience view him as a hero. Throughout my essay I aim to argue why Richard is an immoral villain whilst contrasting why many may perceive him as a hero. For much of the play Richard may be seen as a hero. One reason for this is his dramatic language. Shakespeare's use of long, fascinating monologues in which Richard outlines his evil plans and thoughts are central to the audiences experiences and impressions of Richard. Thus, enabling his manipulative character to charm the audience. In (1, 1, 125-127) Richard speaks to the audience about his time at war. 'Our bruised arms hung up for monuments' (1, 1, 125) he creates an image that they have hung their armour up victoriously. This would therefore suggest that he his heroic as he has led his side to victory. When saying 'I, that am rudely stamp'd and want love's majesty' (1, 1, 126) Richard gains sympathy from the audience as he is saying that he was badly made and doesn't have the looks to gain love from a woman, unlike others who can enjoy 'sportive tricks'(1, 1, 14). The audiences sympathy for Richard is also enhanced when he mentions' that so lamely and unfashionable that dogs bark at me'(1, 1, 23).

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Was Thornbury castle built as a palace or for defence?

Was Thornbury castle built as a palace or for defence? By Sara Booker Thornbury castle Since Thornbury castle started being built in 1511 it has been in the centre of a debate with historians whether it is a castle built for defence or a luxurious palace for show. When I went to Thornbury castle you can see lots of different features that would confuse you in deciding what Thornbury castle was built for. There are lots of different features showing both. This picture shows some arrow slits. As you walk around the castle you see things like arrow slits and gun loops in the walls showing they were probably built in case of an attack. Around the outer and inner gateway walls there are portcullis grooves which were never finished if it had have been the walls would have been as high again this is because there is nowhere for the gates to go. Around the castle towers there should have been crenellations which you can see on the only finished tower the crenellations which are the thing around the top are used to shoot between the gaps and hide in the higher bits. Underneath the crenellations there are machicolations which were used to pour thing though (e.g. red hot oil or stones) to hit invaders below. The finished tower showing the machicolations Around some of the outside walls shows ditches which may have been the start of a moat or other

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How does Shakespeare shape the audience's perception of Richard in Act One scene one and two of the play?

How does Shakespeare shape the audience's perception of Richard in Act One scene one and two of the play? In Shakespeare's plays, some characters are portrayed differently from their historical figures. Shakespeare does this to thrill and entertain the audience to provide a good show. He uses language and shapes facts to influence the audience's perceptions of characters in his plays. In Richard III Shakespeare has used a mix of techniques and devices through language to portray a fictitious figure of King Richard III. He modifies history, time, and facts to create a fantastic, intriguing story for a play. Shakespeare makes Richard come across as a manipulator and villain in a thrilling situation. Act One scene one opens with a long soliloquy by Richard, son of York. Through his speech, Shakespeare sets the scene to the audience. During a soliloquy Richard speaks openly to the audience about emotions thoughts and opinions and is only heard by the audience, with no other characters on stage. Richard opens with the two lines: 'Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this son of York' He is making a pun, suggesting that as well as the weather and season image, he is referring to his brother King Edward IV son of York. It is an example of one of Shakespeare's play on words, and is also a metaphor. We, as the audience, receive details during Richard's

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How strong was the monarchy on the death of Edward IV in 1483?

How strong was the monarchy on the death of Edward IV in 1483? By 9th April 1483 Edward IV had strengthened the monarchy substantially. The problems he faced when he began his second reign were twofold, those to do with securing his kingdom, both peace and finances, and those to do with the rewarding of loyal nobles and the punishment of enemies. The Bastard of Fauconberg, the leader of the May landing in Kent and the attempted march to London, with support from Kentishmen, was initially pardoned. However he was eventually executed and an enquiry led by the Bourchiers dealt with the southeastern counties. Edward rewarded Hastings for his allegiance, as he became the Commander of Calais, where Warwick's former supporters having pardoned them and paid the garrison accepted him. Edward attempted to cause little upset in the nobility by issuing few attainders and a large number of pardons, including Lord Stanley and the earl of Oxford. Edward had managed to regain the throne through his greater noble support and the dominance that the noble retinues gave him over the Lancastrians. On the night of Edward's arrival in London to reclaim the throne Henry VI was murdered in the tower, which though usually blamed upon Richard, duke of Gloucester, was ultimately Edward's responsibility. The death of Henry and the eradication of the Nevilles, Warwick and Montagu signalled the end of

  • Word count: 1431
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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